Gary C. Goodenough

Gary C. Goodenough, 62, of La Crescent, proud husband, father and grandpa passed away peacefully September 28, 2018 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 4, 1955, in La Crosse, WI, the oldest of five children of Chet and Mary Jane Goodenough. He married Debbie, the love of his life, on July 14, 1979 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Gary, a graduate of Central High School in 1973, worked at G. Heileman Brewing Co./Stroh’s/City Brewery for 34 years where he made many lifelong friends.

Gary had a love and passion for nature and the outdoors that will live on within his family. Fishing was one of his greatest loves; he also enjoyed hunting of all kinds. He would spend hours at a time on long walks, exploring and enjoying the beauty of everything around him. He loved nothing more than to take his grandkids on hikes and walks to explore nature where he would pass along his passion, knowledge and experiences. But most of all, Gary loved spending time with his family. He always said his greatest accomplishment in life were his children. Anyone that knew Gary knew his love and passion for his wife, children and their spouses, and his grandchildren was unmeasurable. He was the “rock” of his family and everyone knew they could always depend on him.

Gary has certainly passed on a legacy within his children and grandchildren. He was never short on words when it came to passing along words of wisdom and life lessons. Gary led by example and his family was always so proud of his passionate work ethic. He will be missed forever, but will live on forever within our hearts and memories.

A special thank you to Dr. Benjamin Parsons, Dr. Patrick Conway, their teams, and the entire Gundersen Lutheran medical staff.

Gary is survived by his wife, Debbie (Shippee); children David (Jamie) Goodenough, Katie (Jake) Bemis, Dana (Adam) Krings; grandchildren Abigail, Kaylee, Jace, Jaden, Logan and Aiden; mother Mary Jane (Hansen) Goodenough, siblings Linda (Bud) Steine, Glen Goodenough, Curt (Kathleen) Goodenough and Lisa Allen and many other close family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Chet Goodenough; grandparents Ellsworth and Gertrude Collins and Louie and Emily Hansen; and father and mother-in-law Donald and Marian Shippee.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 So. Oak St., La Crescent. It will be an informal, casual gathering to share and enjoy the love and memories of Gary.